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Why It Matters
Texas Hill Country residents are confronting catastrophic flooding for the second consecutive summer, with rescue operations unfolding across multiple counties as rivers swell to dangerous levels. The region, which lost more than 100 people in devastating floods over the July Fourth holiday last year, is now bracing for similar or worse conditions as floodwaters overtake communities near San Antonio and along the border.
What Happened
Severe rainstorms swept across Texas Hill Country in mid-July 2026, triggering rapid flooding that forced emergency rescues throughout the region. The Boerne Fire Department conducted water rescues on Wednesday, July 15, pulling stranded drivers and residents from rising floodwaters. By Thursday, July 16, the Pedernales River overflowed State Highway 87, State Highway 16, and areas near Old Kerr Highway in the Fredericksburg area, cutting off road access and trapping residents.
Rescue operations intensified as floodwaters spread. Texas Game Wardens rescued more than 40 people and evacuated about a dozen others, primarily in Uvalde County. Uvalde police ordered mandatory evacuations after discovering multiple people trapped in vehicles overnight as the Leona River—normally dry most of the year—filled city streets with water.
Governor Greg Abbott reported one death from the flooding and authorized disaster declarations for multiple counties. Drones and helicopters deployed across the region to locate and assist stranded residents. Tornado warnings were also issued during the event.
By the Numbers
- More than 100 people killed in Texas Hill Country floods over last year’s July Fourth holiday
- 24 children and counselors died at Camp Mystic during last summer’s floods
- 40+ people rescued by Texas Game Wardens; approximately 12 evacuated
- 30+ feet of water rise in the Guadalupe River within one hour at certain gauge locations
- 1 confirmed death reported by Governor Abbott from current flooding
Warning Systems and Regional Preparation
The National Weather Service warned of a “large and deadly flood wave” on the Pedernales River, the same waterway that triggered devastating flash floods last summer. This time, officials implemented more alert systems and safety measures ahead of the deluge—a contrast to last year’s event.
Josiah Rodriguez, a resident, noted the difference in preparedness: “It’s crazy happening two times in one year. Last year there was no warning of it. It just kind of happened overnight and it took everyone by surprise. This year, a lot more alerts have gone into place, a lot more safety measures.”
However, floodwaters still outpaced evacuations. Carmen Rodriguez reported that though her family had a destination to flee to, “all the streets are closed.” Kerrville city officials urged residents to shelter at the highest levels of their homes as waters continued rising.
A Region in Crisis
Last year’s July Fourth floods demonstrated the region’s vulnerability. The Guadalupe River crested without warning, and residents said they received no advance notification. The disaster claimed over 100 lives across Texas Hill Country, including the 24 fatalities at Camp Mystic near Medina. Current gauge readings suggest floodwaters may reach similar or higher crests than last year’s catastrophe.
The repeated flooding raises questions about infrastructure resilience and early warning systems in a region that has now endured two major disasters within twelve months. As rescue operations continued through the night, residents faced uncertainty about when roads would reopen and when normal life could resume in the affected counties.
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